The city of Fullerton has stepped up its tech moves to get more civic information out to local residents by launching channels on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV.
It’s the latest among many steps the city is taking to make sure citizens are connected via tech.
Those who do not have cable television, or simply prefer to stream content via so-called “over-the-top” devices delivering content over the internet, have the option to tune in to Fullerton TV (FTV).
The channels will appear in full high definition, giving the public the ability to watch video content live, the city of Fullerton said last month.
Available video content will include commission meetings, city events, city news, public meetings, health updates, public service announcements, and other videos that will inform, educate, and instruct residents, businesses, and visitors on government processes.
To access FTV on any three streaming platforms, a user simply opens the device’s home screen, searches for “Fullerton TV” and downloads the channel. Â
FTV is still available on Spectrum channel 3, AT&T; U-verse channel 99, and streaming live in HD on the city’s website, cityoffullerton.com.
In addition, city council meetings, special events, and public service announcements are available on the city’s YouTube channel. Social media is also used.
In a separate project, Fullerton has been teaming up with SiFi Networks, a developer of fiber optic networks, to bring the next generation of wireless and internet connectivity to the city. SiFi CEO Ben Bawtree-Jobson said the system, “is up and running with over one-third of the city built out, completion is anticipated in Q3 next year and we have launched construction in the neighboring city of Placentia.”
The rollout of the $75 million program, the first on the West Coast for SiFi Networks, promises to make Fullerton “one of the USA’s largest privately funded open access fiber cities,” according to the company.
Anaheim Update
While Fullerton may be at the tech forefront locally, it isn’t alone among OC cities.
“We are in the early stages of upgrading broadcast equipment that will allow (us) to take our station, Anaheim TV, and share it on YouTube as part of a dedicated website built around it,” Anaheim city spokesman Mike Lyster told the Business Journal. “It will also allow us to explore the streaming apps as well.”
“Beyond that, we use social media extensively to bring information to our residents. During the pandemic, it has been our main source of regular briefings for our community,” according to Lyster.
Irvine Tech
Irvine has also harnessed tech developments for local information, according to city spokeswoman Melissa Haley. They include:
• Several “engagement opportunities” for local station ICTV that include Cox, AT&T;, Google Fiber, and YouTube. Also, the channel is live streamed online 24/7 and all programming is available on-demand online on our city website.
• Public meeting viewing and participation via Zoom.
• The city will also be launching a Podcast that can be found on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, Google, I Heart Radio, and Pandora, to name a few.
The city also utilizes all the standard social media outlets, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Nextdoor.
“Since 2012, we have been utilizing a mobile app called, Access Irvine, that has been reimagined over the years. Most recently we branded a portal called “How Can We Help?” where end-users can report issues and concerns they encounter. There is also a web-based version on our website,” Haley said.Â
